Fact-checked · July 2026 · UAE
Real startup costs, the exact license route, and what the economics actually look like. No hype, no hidden-fee packages — just what each business takes to launch and run.
Browse all ideas How setup worksStarting an e-commerce business in the UAE typically costs AED 15,000–35,000 in year one, covering an e-commerce trade l…
AED 15,000–35,000A digital marketing agency is one of the cheapest businesses to start in the UAE: a freelance permit starts around AED 5…
AED 6,000–20,000A cloud kitchen (delivery-only restaurant) in the UAE typically costs AED 60,000–150,000 to launch, depending on whether…
AED 60,000–150,000A cleaning services company in the UAE typically costs AED 25,000–60,000 to start, covering the trade license, initial s…
AED 25,000–60,000An IT consultancy in the UAE can start from AED 6,000–25,000 — a freelance tech permit or professional license, a laptop…
AED 6,000–25,000A home maintenance company in the UAE starts around AED 30,000–70,000: commercial license with the relevant technical ac…
AED 30,000–70,000Freelance services and lean online models — legality plus a laptop.
Fastest to first revenueReal service companies with staff, inventory and recurring clients.
The sweet spotCloud kitchens, laundry, maintenance — equipment and operations businesses.
Operating leverageThe 8-step process from idea to trade license, with real timelines.
The honest cost stack — including every line the ads leave out.
Commercial, professional, industrial, tourism — which one you actually need.
Corporate tax, VAT thresholds and the 2027 e-invoicing timeline, plainly.
What you can legally run from home — and what needs premises.
Permits from AED 5,500, rates by profession, tax rules for solos.
The best business depends on your budget and skills. Under AED 10,000: freelance services (marketing, IT, consulting). AED 25,000–50,000: service companies like cleaning or e-commerce with inventory. AED 50,000–100,000: cloud kitchens, laundry and maintenance companies. Service businesses reach profitability fastest; recurring-revenue models build the most durable value.
License-only packages start around AED 5,500–12,500 per year. Realistic all-in first-year budgets: AED 6,000–15,000 for a solo freelancer, AED 12,000–25,000 for an online business with a visa, and AED 35,000–65,000 for a service company with staff.
Yes. Free zones always allowed full foreign ownership, and since the 2021 reforms most mainland activities also permit 100% foreign ownership without a local partner.
There's no personal income tax. Corporate tax is 0% on profits up to AED 375,000 and 9% above; Small Business Relief offers 0% on revenue up to AED 3M for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. VAT registration is mandatory only above AED 375,000 turnover.
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